Egyptian general quits military to run for president

The Egyptian general who ousted his country’s first freely elected leader declared his candidacy yesterday for a presidential election he is expected to win easily.

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi — who toppled Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood last July after mass protests against his rule — vowed to fight what he called the terrorist threat facing Egypt, a reference to attacks that have spiralled since last summer.

“True, today is my last day in military uniform, but I will continue to fight every day for an Egypt free of fear and terrorism,” said Sisi, still wearing his military fatigues, in a televised speech yesterday. He had to resign his posts of army chief and minister of defence so he could contest the election.